Lesotho National Arrested in Seraleng Over Dye-Stained Banknotes Linked to Bojanala ATM Bombing Probe
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A 52-year-old Lesotho national was arrested in Seraleng, near Boitekong in the Bojanala Platinum District of North West Province, after police recovered dye-stained banknotes believed to be connected to ATM bombing incidents under investigation in the area.
Intelligence received by police on 9 July 2026 indicated that individuals were depositing dye-stained banknotes into various bank accounts. Investigators, working with bank investigators, traced the deposits to a specific account. This led to an intelligence-driven operation conducted on Friday, 17 July 2026, by members of the Bojanala Crime Intelligence Unit and the Brits Trio Task Team at a residence in Seraleng.
During the search of the property, officers recovered dye-stained banknotes. The suspect was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the cash and was arrested. Clothing items were also seized from the residence and sent for forensic examination as part of the ongoing probe into possible links to ATM bombings in the Bojanala Platinum District.
The suspect appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 July 2026, on a charge of possession of suspected dye-stained banknotes. Police have indicated that further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Acting North West Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo stated that the arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and cooperation between specialised police units and banking investigators. He praised the officers involved and confirmed that efforts continue to ensure all those linked to the investigation are brought before the courts.
Dye-stained banknotes are commonly associated with ATM attacks in which security ink systems activate during explosions or forced openings, marking the cash to deter its use. Possession of such notes often forms a key investigative lead in ATM bombing cases. The investigation into the stained cash and any related ATM incidents in the Bojanala Platinum District remains active.
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